The Missouri Department of Conservation has confirmed the presence of a mountain lion on the Department’s Peck Ranch Conservation Area in northwest Carter and eastern Shannon counties based on trail camera photos taken Feb. 2, and the carcass of an elk calf found on the conservation area. M-D-C’s Mountain Lion Response Team says mountain-lions are sometimes seen in Missouri, and these are likely from western states in search of mates or territory. They have no confirmed evidence of a breeding population in Missouri. While protected by law, they are naturally shy of humans and generally pose little danger to people, but Missouri’s Wildlife Code allows people to protect themselves and their property if they are threatened. For more visit mdc.mo.gov and search “mountain lion".